By the pronouncement of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), conduct of party presidential primaries, including the resolution of possible disputes which may arise from them, will be held between Monday 4th April 2022 and Friday 3rd June 2022.
This effectively means that the battle for the Presidential tickets of the two major parties, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are up in the air to be won and lost because, baring a last minute earthquake measuring over 12.5 on the Richter scale, the next president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is sure to emerge from either of the two parties.
Being the ruling party, with a President who’s term-barred from running for re-election, the APC ticket is expected to be more fiercely-fought for than the PDP’s so it is the focus of this treatise.
Not surprisingly, the front-runner for the APC ticket will be former Lagos state governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu who’s been mounting the soap box across the country trying to garner support for his march to Aso Rock in 2023.
Apart from Tinubu, there are a lot of people ‘rumoured’ to be nursing presidential ambitions though they are yet to make a formal declaration of their intentions yet. Leading this group is incumbent vice president Prof Yemi Osinbajo who’s ambition puts him on a direct collision course with his former boss, benefactor and leader, Tinubu.
Osinbajo is seen as a direct threat to Tinubu’s projection of locking down the South West voting bloc, sizable support in the North and the listening ear of President Muhammadu Buhari. So, analysts say the fear of Osibanjo is the beginning of wisdom for Tinubu.
However, a new force like the eastern winds is blowing from the south-south region and showing early signs of sweeping Tinubu’s dream off like a hurricane. Though yet to make a formal declaration, it is an open secret that he will be running.
Ladies and gentlemen, meet Honorable Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, incumbent Minister of Transportation and one of Nigeria’s most influential politicians.
Here are six reasons why Amaechi, or CRA as he’s fondly called, could be the greatest threat to Tinubu when hostilities hot up for the APC presidential ticket…
1. Deep pockets-
CRA gives birth to been in government since 1999 when he was voted into the Rivers State House of Assembly where he was elected Speaker between 1999 and 2007. He finished two-terms as a state legislator and contested for the governorship which he eventually won although not without some legal fireworks. After an eight-year stay, he was nominated and consequently confirmed as Minister of Transportation by President Buhari, a position he’s held down since 2015. This ‘juicy’ ministry, and his stint as Speaker and Governor of Rivers State, one of the richest in the federation, means CRA would have amassed a huge war chest which could ensure that he’s able to face Tinubu’s own considerable resources. Osinbajo, is not able to muster such funds.
2. Hardened political fighter-
Though armed with a University degree, the peculiarity of Rivers politics and his experience in student unionism meant Amaechi is a veteran of many political battles with scars to show.
As sitting governor, he was engaged in a running battle with President Goodluck Jonathan’s PDP government and never wilted even in the face of federal might. CRA will be willing and able to get into the mud and grapple with Tinubu for the ticket, if the need arises. This is distinctly different from the more ‘refined’ Osinbajo who may not have the stomach for the violence which is sometimes inevitable in battles of this nature.
3. No moral compulsion like Osinbajo-
Getting into a head-long battle with Tinubu portrays the Vice President as an ‘ingrate’ who benefitted from the munificence of Tinubu who headhunted him to be Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice in 1999 and who also allegedly propelled him to his current office as the nation’s number two citizen. This moral conundrum is perhaps responsible for why Osinbajo has refused to make a formal declaration of his intention even as mounting evidences point to that direction. CRA, on the other hand, is unencumbered by such moral compunctions. Last time he had a falling out with his former mentor and godfather ex-governor Peter Odili, Amaechi left the man scampering for safety and will be willing to do worse to Tinubu with whom he maintains a facade of cordiality.
4. Record of performance-
His performance both as a governor and later as Minister of Transportation, particularly his ‘railways transformation’ has given Amaechi massive publicity as a goal-getter who’s driven, focused and determined to succeed.
The mileage recorded by the Buhari government as a result of Amaechi’s works provides effusive testimony of his ability to deliver on critical infrastructure. His stint as a governor, the same office Tinubu once held in Lagos, meant he has the same pedigree as his opponent, a situation not applicable to Osinbajo who’s only been a commissioner and then Vice President serving at the pleasure of his principal.
5. Satisfies the preferred age bracket –
One of the most vicious and unrelenting criticism of Tinubu’s presidential ambition is hinged on his age which traducers insist is too old for the rigours required of the office of president. At 69, (he won’t be 70 until later this month) Tinubu’s age is generating ripples amongst his supporters and opposition alike. Many claim he could be afflicted with age-related illnesses that could necessitate spending considerable time and state resources like incumbent holder of the office. Amaechi, a sprightly 57 by next May is closer to the preferred demography and a whole eight years younger than Osinbajo.
6. Buhari’s favourite-
It is rumoured that Amaechi is one of the very few serving ministers who have the ear of President Buhari, arguably because of his work ethic, energetic performance and service delivery. Works Minister, Babatunde Raji Fashola is another but it is Amaechi who has presidential ambition and allegedly sure to get Buhari’s nod if the need arises. Though Tinubu was instrumental to the election of Buhari as president, the reported groundswell of opposition to his ambition could force the hands of the President to look elsewhere for an aspirant to anoint and Amaechi perfectly fits the bill.
